Disclaimer: I still don't own anything despite my best efforts; perhaps I should try offering money instead of bits of string as payment…
MaraSevvie17: I totally agree on that bit. You'll see someday, you'll all see! MUHUHAHA! Do keep reading!
Kidarock: I wanna know about The Accident, too. Do you write with a specific plot in mind? Or do you just kinda skip the outline and write whatever's in your head?
Rolanda,
I think what's happened to Severus these past few days is you! I remember Severus from school, and he looked so much happier at Flourish and Blotts in comparison with how he used to act he was practically glowing! I'm sure that you've caused this change in him, Ro!
Despite what you say, I think that you've enjoyed everything about Severus the entire time, but now that he's bothered to spend some time with you, you've realized how much you appreciate him! Remember what it was like with Stewart and me? I didn't even know his first name until he started tutoring me in Defense Against the Dark Arts and Astronomy! This probably was some schoolgirl crush, but I'm only saying so because you brought it up first. Your so-called "platonic" feelings are the most pitiful excuses of "just friends" that I have ever seen in my life! You're just as bad as McGonagall and Dumbledore! Ask Severus out some time; get to know him a little better. You don't have to know someone to love them; it just helps if you do.
As for the Accident, I really don't know. I'll ask Griffith, but no matter what he says, the final decision is up to you. If you really think that you're ready to talk with him, then I'm happy for you. If not, then maybe someone else. I liked Avram, and I'm sure that he would agree about letting go. I want to talk with you in person about this, maybe I can come over later today, or do you have to go to that Greenhouse Renovation thing? Stewart sends his best wishes and I'll see you later whether you like it or not.
Xiomara
Rolanda reread the letter as she changed into her robes after a quick shower, thinking about the Greenhouse Renovation Project the whole time. She walked down to the Greenhouses in solitude, meditating on Xiomara's words. She'll ask Severus out after the Renovation Project.
After Rolanda's eyes adjusted to the unusual greenish darkness of the Greenhouse, she noticed a fairly large number of students waiting there, and surprisingly enough, Severus Snape! Filius Flitwick stood on a podium, shouting to get everyone's attention. After a few fireworks and small explosions, the dull roar of the crowd finally died down. Filius' squeaky voice, amplified by a Sonorous spell, explained why everyone was dragged down to the Greenhouse at these ungodly hours- on a weekend, no less! He then moved on to what the different improvements that were made on the Greenhouses were, and that the only thing left to do was to fill them with plants. At that point, everyone woke up and looked outside towards an array of potted plants patiently waiting to be put into their respective Greenhouses.
The students were divided up into different teams according to age group and plant savvy, and once the teachers assigned themselves to the different groups, the transplanting began!
The entire process didn't take that long; it was over in about an hour! Everyone was surprised at the minimal number of accidents, only three incidents! Unfortunately, Rolanda was one of the many to be pranked by the Weasley twins, who charmed a spot of grass to grow very tall very quickly whenever someone stepped in it.
After the plants were back in the greenhouses and everyone planted a seed in the extra troughs, Filius tried to keep everyone there for a little bit longer, but soon after the crowd re-dispersed.
"That lasted." Severus said grumpily as he headed off towards his dungeons. That man was so befuddling! Why couldn't he smile more often? Rolanda bid Filius goodbye, then walked back to her rooms.
When she got there, Xiomara was already waiting outside her door. "I told you I'd come later, stop looking so surprised!"
"I didn't expect you so early, actually." Rolanda opened her door and beckoned her sister in. Xiomara spread across Rolanda's bed before continuing.
"Why don't you have a sofa in here? I can see a hundred places where you could put one in, but no, we have to be difficult!" Xiomara whined.
"My bed is so comfortable that you wouldn't use it anyway." Rolanda replied while pouring herself a glass of water. "Would you like anything?"
"No, thanks," she replied. "I'm sure that you should tell Severus about the Accident. I asked Griffith and the rest of the family, and they all think so, too. We all love you so much, and we just want you to be happy." Xiomara sat up as Rolanda walked over to give her a hug. Rolanda settled on the edge of the bed as Xiomara lay back down. "Severus is a good man, and it's a good idea for you to start dating again. You never really regained your color since Avram left."
"I think I will ask him out, then…" Rolanda said contemplatively.
Xiomara squealed in delight and hugged her sister again. "I can't believe it! I didn't think you would actually say yes, I thought I would have to resort to setting you up!"
Rolanda laughed. "I wouldn't date the men you set me up with if you gave me a Galleon for every minute I spent with them."
Xiomara chuckled, and abruptly stopped. She checked the time with a look of apprehension on her face, then relaxed and laughed. "I'm so nervous!"
"Why are you nervous about going to a play?"
Xiomara laughed some more, but this time it was more of a shrill titter. "Your oldest daughter isn't playing the lead."
They talked some more about family and shared the latest gossip for a while, until Xiomara finally said the dreaded words: "Rolanda, I'm so sorry, I've got to go!" They hugged and Xiomara Flooed home.
Rolanda smiled and lay back against her bed. Severus is a good man, but what if Avram doesn't agree?
Severus graded papers quietly, but soon stopped. Why couldn't he think right now? Thoughts of Rolanda swirled around in his head, and he simply couldn't ignore them anymore. He walked over to a basin filled with cold water and dunked his head in it.
He's in love.
No, he's not.
Yes, he is. He's just fighting it.
He can't be in love. Even if Lord Voldemort lay dormant, he had to remain alert to any Death Eater activity. He couldn't afford being in love.
A knock on the door quieted Severus' internal struggle. He muttered a Drying Charm and said "Come in."
Rolanda entered, putting a very large smile on his face. "Severus, may I talk with you?"
"Of course, what can I do for you?"
That man! He can't smile around the students and yet his face lights up like a Roman candle as soon as you get alone with him! "I was thinking,"
Oh no, here it comes. I don't want to be around you anymore; it's not you, it's me; I need my space; we're not meant to be together, there never really was a we anyway.
"Maybe you would like to go out some time?"
"What?" That was possibly theonething Severusdidn't expect to hear.
Rolanda's face sunk, and he panicked. "No, I mean- I didn't hear you." His voice petered out and his shoulders slumped.
"I said," Rolanda hesitated. Did he really not hear her or did he not want to go? "D'you, want to go somewhere… with me?"
Severus lit up again and strode over to her. "I would love to." They embraced, and Rolanda stepped out of the room.
"7:30 sound good?" Rolanda called over her shoulder.
"Perfect."
After the heavy doors shut, Severus sighed and was slightly surprised to see Rolanda run back over the threshold, but was doubly surprised when she stood on her toes and kissed him on the cheek, then ran back out.
After the doors shut yet again, Severus walked over to the basin and dunked his head back in.
How long has it been? Three months? Anyway, I hope this chapter pleases and I hope you don't mind all of the errors- I wrote it in about twenty minutes or so…
Bye bye! REVIEW! PLEASE!